Stud sales across Australia are wrapping up. Our Elders livestock managers have the latest on how the season played out and what it means for producers. Read on for their updates.
New South Wales
“Overall, the 2025 stud sale season has been particularly strong on the back of much improved sheep and cattle prices and seasons over a large area of NSW excluding the most southern areas.
“The lift in confidence from commercial livestock breeders saw many stud producers improve their averages from the previous year.
“The timing of the improved livestock prices aligned with the peak stud sale season throughout spring, and in many instances, results for stud sheep and cattle sales strengthened as the year progressed.
“In the cattle space, 2025 was another year where bulls suitable for heifer matings were well sought after.
“Buyers were also seen to be more selective and patient in securing their requirements even if at a higher price point, attempting to enhance their breeding herds whilst the cattle market is so buoyant. The strongest sale results were very much seen amongst the longer established, better known programs who have a strong client base and extensive marketing budgets.
“Ram sales were also very strong in 2025 with the Merino results of particular interest. With the wool market hitting 10-year highs in some micron categories, the Merino ram sale season responded strongly with both averages and clearances well up on the 2024 results. In some specific cases, these price average increases were as much as 40 per cent over 2024.
“In respect of the meat sheep and terminal sire breeds, there was also good interest given the extremely strong prime lamb prices seen throughout the spring.
“There was a noticeable trend in the results leaning more towards direct terminal type sires such as White Suffolks and Poll Dorsets as producers sought to capture potential shorter-term gains from the lamb market. This was at the expense of the likes of the Border Leicester breed that certainly sold in the buyers’ favour again in 2025 as breeders attempted to remove that first cross step out of the lamb breeding process.
“The overall financial result for the 2025 stud sale year will see the NSW returns amongst the top 3 over the past decade or so. This is indicative of the buoyant level of the markets and seasons generally across the NSW.” – Paul Jameson, Elders Stud Stock Manager, NSW.
South Australia
“The 2025 stud selling season has now come to an end and from an industry point of view, clearances and averages across all breeds have generally been above expectations.
“That has been helped somewhat with the decision by many studs to reduce their numbers offered depending on their geographical location and breed they are selling.
“The reduction of Merino ram numbers being offered was impacted the most due to the continued sell off of Merino ewes, particularly in the more marginal areas of SA due to several years of below average rainfall and late starts to the season.
“I felt the sales got stronger as the season progressed with growers gaining confidence in the market as the sheep and lamb prices continued to rise with a positive long term price point.
“Merino and Poll Merino sales saw the reduction of numbers offered generally, back 10 to 20 per cent with some exceptions, and the average comparison to 2024 was a mixed bag. Generally, sales were down 10 to 20 per cent with some similar to last year.
“White Suffolk, Suffolk and Poll Dorsets sales were impacted by geographical location. The more marginal areas and those studs located where cropping has increased and sheep numbers reduced offered less rams while the South East and Kangaroo Island maintained their numbers similar to last year. Averages across the board were around the same or 10 to 20 per cent up on 2024. The buoyant sheep and lamb market drove the clearance and price increase injecting confidence into the commercial producers.
“Border Leicester sales were mixed with numbers offered reduced some clearance good with a good average increase on 2024. Lack of Merino ewe numbers influenced the lower numbers offered and clearance rates.
“With only a few sales held in the state, Dohne and SAMM ram sales held reasonably strong with reduced numbers sold, but average up on last year.
“Composites held strong with numbers offered similar to last year and averages increased compared to 2024.
“The well-established Dorper sales had good clearances and averages up on 2024 results.
“Aussie Whites, Ultra Whites and Sheep Masters are still establishing their commercial base, but clearances and averages were certainly up on last year.
“We only had one spring bull sale being Granite Ridge’s third spring sale, with a good result: 34 offered, 28 sold to a top of $15,000 and averaging $7,786.
“The Lucindale Working Dog Sale was again very successful. 31 were offered, 28 sold. They averaged $5,782 with the top priced dog $14,000.
“In summary, a better-than-expected result for studs of all breeds for clearance and average.
“Sales for 2026 look promising, with strong demand for fibre and meat we just need the season to be in our favour to try and rebuild the ewe base around the country.” – Tony Wetherall, Elders Stud Stock Manager, SA.
Western Australia
“There is no doubt the WA sheep industry is one of the most resilient groups of producers and farmers in Australia.
“With all of the adversity of politics and seasons I’d like to congratulate them for their continued approach to breeding what I believe are the best genetics in Australia.
“WA studs continue to dominate and represent WA at the highest level at eastern states’ shows.
“This showing and the ability to compete nationally in the Australian Sheep Breeding Values system among our peers and be right at the top gives us confidence in the product we breed.
“I mentioned in last year’s wrap that I felt the biggest challenge had passed us by and this has proven to be correct.
“Sheep prices, along with a far more positive wool market, has seen some confidence come back into the sheep game.
“This was proven with the increase in prices for rams sold seeing a more optimistic outlook.
“We did not necessarily sell larger volumes of rams, but with high fertiliser prices and lower cereal prices, there may be a little push back to sheep going forward.
“Hats off to the commercial producers that have stuck by their sheep and I truly hope you enjoy what should be a great period to be involved in sheep.
“To both our stud and commercial clients that continue to entrust Elders with your livestock, thank you.
“To the Elders network that has supported all of our sales both as buyers and sale day assistance, thank you also.” – Nathan King, Elders Stud Stock Manager, WA.
Victoria and Riverina
“The 2025 stud stock season across Victoria and the Riverina reflected strong confidence and resilience despite earlier seasonal challenges. Coming into spring, many vendors were cautious following a prolonged dry spell and reduced flock numbers. However, ram sales defied expectations, achieving high clearances and solid averages across Merino and British breed varities. Some sales even exceeded 2024 averages, a result that highlighted the sector’s strength and adaptability.
“Improving wool prices and an encouraging seasonal turnaround played a key role in buyer confidence. Clients invested strategically in quality genetics, often purchasing fewer rams but at higher individual values, reflecting both confidence and a focus on long-term productivity.
“Geographically, performance was consistent across the board, with the Riverina’s large September Merino sales again setting a strong benchmark. Central and Western Victoria also posted positive results, with many producers reporting satisfaction despite earlier seasonal pressures.
“On the cattle side, the spring bull sales built strong momentum through September, with clearance rates and averages rising across most sales. Buyer sentiment lifted alongside seasonal improvement, with standout sales recording price increases of up to 25 per cent on 2024 results. Across the region, both established and new clients were active, showing confidence in rebuilding herds and investing in proven genetics. Demand for quality sires was particularly strong in the spring book sales, and clearances across major breeds were exceptional.
“Confidence in the cattle market grew steadily as rain returned in late September, improving feed availability and driving renewed optimism for the months ahead. By October, the Western District enjoyed one of its best grass-growing seasons in years, with calves performing exceptionally well. This turnaround is expected to support strong summer weaner sales and solid bull sale results heading into autumn 2026.” – Ross Milne, Elders Stud Stock Manager, Vic/Riv.
Queensland and the Northern Territory
“The 2025 stud stock season across Queensland and the Northern Territory delivered a strong performance, marked by firm demand, solid clearance rates, and a 12.4 per cent lift in average prices, up $986 on FY24 results.
“Quality was key this year. Well-presented, high-performing cattle attracted competition across most breeds, with growing buyer preference for bulls supported by Breedplan or genomics data, and comprehensive morphology testing. Buyers are increasingly selective, willing to pay a premium for top-tier genetics while showing restraint on lesser-quality offerings.
“Stronger demand was underpinned by buoyant commercial markets and improved seasonal conditions. While quality remains consistent year-on-year, vendors who elevated the quality of their offering in FY25 were duly rewarded with stronger averages. This trend was evident across the board, from Brahman sales in Central and Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, to Euro and British breeds, where clearance rates and averages climbed steadily without the inflated top prices of previous seasons.
“Headline sales included Clunie Range Angus, Palgrove Charolais and Ultrablack, Ascot Angus and Charolais, Rosevale and Yarrawonga Santa Gertrudis, and Telpara Hills Brangus.
“Elders’ standout performance at Rockhampton Brahman Week was a particular highlight. Our team achieved the highest gross and best average out of the three selling agents involved in the sale, despite having a smaller catalogue share.
“Record-breaking moments also defined the season. Elders sold the $280,000 Oasis A Cracker Jack on behalf of the Geddes family from the Oasis A Droughtmaster stud, setting a new benchmark for the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale. Elders also sold the $300,000 Clunie Range Untouchable U441, the highest-priced Angus bull sold in Australia this year.
“Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive. With strong commercial confidence and continued buyer focus on data-driven, high-quality sires, the stud stock market is poised to carry its momentum well into 2026.” – Michael Smith, Elders Stud Stock Manager, QLD/NT.
